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United States Patent |
5,302,207
|
Jurcisin
|
April 12, 1994
|
Line striper apparatus with optical sighting means
Abstract
A line striper with optical sighting means, and guide line marking devices
adapted to be used simultaneously with the application of a paint stripe.
The line striper has a forward extending guide bar for direct sighting on
the surface to be marked, as well as an optical sighting means for
aligning the line striper on a distant fixed point for application of a
guide line. Adjustable length booms mounted transverse to the line striper
allow application of guide lines a distance removed from the paint spray
nozzle. The line striper has multiple paint reservoir paint storage
capability to facilitate application of different color paints.
Inventors:
|
Jurcisin; Gregory D. (114 Cleveland Ave., Milford, OH 45150)
|
Appl. No.:
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869751 |
Filed:
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April 16, 1992 |
Current U.S. Class: |
118/713; 33/286; 118/207; 118/305; 239/150; 401/48; 404/94 |
Intern'l Class: |
B05C 011/00; B05B 015/04 |
Field of Search: |
118/305,713,207
239/150,151
404/93,94
427/137
359/402
401/48
33/286,288
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
1610773 | Dec., 1926 | Hansen | 118/305.
|
1763432 | Jun., 1930 | Kirkman | 118/305.
|
1928551 | Sep., 1933 | Ball | 401/48.
|
2130356 | Sep., 1938 | Marshall | 118/207.
|
2221908 | Nov., 1940 | Bossi | 118/305.
|
2278948 | Apr., 1942 | Rodli et al. | 118/305.
|
2317288 | Apr., 1943 | McCubbin | 239/150.
|
2518952 | Aug., 1950 | Sohmer | 239/165.
|
2633382 | Mar., 1953 | Dudley et al. | 118/305.
|
2788240 | Apr., 1957 | Wilson et al. | 239/303.
|
2974875 | Mar., 1961 | Brown | 239/150.
|
3007645 | Nov., 1961 | Little | 239/150.
|
3266392 | Aug., 1966 | Angelini | 401/48.
|
3298352 | Jan., 1967 | Vrablik | 118/305.
|
3540632 | Nov., 1970 | Clingan | 239/150.
|
4167592 | Sep., 1979 | Gabel et al. | 427/137.
|
4267973 | May., 1981 | Stewart | 118/305.
|
4545531 | Oct., 1985 | Williams | 118/305.
|
4861190 | Aug., 1989 | Glassel | 118/305.
|
4893751 | Jan., 1990 | Armstrong | 118/305.
|
Foreign Patent Documents |
3017235 | Nov., 1981 | DE | 404/95.
|
1329940 | Dec., 1963 | FR | 404/94.
|
2609068 | Jul., 1988 | FR | 404/94.
|
1022496 | Mar., 1966 | GB | 404/94.
|
Other References
Publication by Hines, "Truck Outfit for Painting Pavement Center Lines",
Engineering News-Record, No. 807, published Nov. 9, 1922.
|
Primary Examiner: Drodge; Joseph W.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Wood, Herron & Evans
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A striping apparatus for applying a paint line to a surface, comprising:
a mobile platform;
paint dispensing apparatus mounted on said mobile platform and operable for
applying a paint line to a surface; and
optical sighting mans mounted on said platform, adapted to be viewed by an
operator and operable to be sighted onto a point toward which said mobile
platform is directed and which remains fixed during movement of said
mobile platform, said optical sighting means facilitating the application
of a paint line from said paint dispensing apparatus.
2. The striping apparatus of claim 1, wherein said optical sighting means
is a periscope.
3. The striping apparatus of claim 2, wherein said periscope has a viewing
port positioned below said mobile platform and adjacent to said surface.
4. The striping apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a guide bar
connected to said mobile platform and extendable forward of said mobile
platform.
5. The striping apparatus of claim 4, wherein said guide bar terminates
with three equidistant horizontally extending guide prongs in parallel
relationship.
6. The striping apparatus of claim 4 wherein said guide bar includes a
linear member positioned parallel to a line of direction of said mobile
platform.
7. The striping apparatus of claim 1, wherein said paint dispensing
apparatus is comprised of at least one paint reservoir, an air compressor,
and a paint gun.
8. The striping apparatus of claim 7, wherein said paint dispensing
apparatus is comprised of two paint reservoirs.
9. A striping apparatus for applying a paint line to a surface and adapted
to apply a discrete guide line to the surface, comprising;
a mobile platform;
paint dispensing apparatus mounted on said mobile platform and operable for
applying a paint line to a surface upon which said mobile platform
travels; and
a guide line marking device connected to said mobile platform and adapted
for marking a surface by selective engagement with the surface along a
line spaced from said paint line.
10. The striping apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a guide bar
connected to said mobile platform and extendable forward of said mobile
platform.
11. The striping apparatus of claim 10, wherein said guide bar terminates
with three equidistant horizontally extending guide prongs in parallel
relationship.
12. The striping apparatus of claim 10 wherein said guide bar includes a
linear member positioned parallel to a line of direction of said mobile
platform.
13. The striping apparatus of claim 9 wherein said paint dispensing
apparatus and said guide line marking device are operated simultaneously.
14. The striping apparatus of claim 9 further comprising optical sighting
means mounted on said mobile platform adapted to be sighted onto a fixed
point toward which said mobile platform is directed while a guide line is
applied to said surface to be marked by said guide line marking device.
15. The striping apparatus of claim 9 wherein said guide line marking
device is comprised of a chalk member and a holder therefor.
16. The striping apparatus of claim 15 wherein said guide line marking
device is hingeably connected to said mobile platform.
17. The striping apparatus of claim 9 wherein said guide line marking
device is connected t said mobile platform via a vertically extending boom
member, said boom member terminating with a wheel.
18. The striping apparatus of claim 9 wherein said guide line marking
device is selectively brought into engagement with said surface to be
marked by an actuator remote from said guide line marking device.
19. A striping apparatus adapted for applying a paint line to a surface and
adapted to simultaneously apply a discrete guide line to the surface,
spaced from said paint line, comprising;
a platform mounted on fixed plane wheels;
a downwardly directed paint gun mounted to said platform and connected to a
source of paint under pressure, said paint gun adapted to apply a paint
stripe to said surface;
a guide bar connected to said platform and extendable forward of said
platform to a position essentially parallel to said surface;
optical sighting means mounted on said platform adapted to be sighted onto
a fixed point toward which said platform is directed; and
a guide line marking device connected to said platform and adapted for
selective engagement with said surface.
20. The striping apparatus of claim 19 further comprising a caster wheel
mounted to said platform forward of said fixed plane wheels and adapted to
raise said platform to thereby disengage at least one of said fixed plane
wheels from said surface.
21. The striping apparatus of claim 19 further comprising a straight member
connected to said optical sighting means, said straight member essentially
parallel to said surface and essentially parallel to an axis of rotation
of said fixed plane wheels.
22. A striping apparatus for applying a paint line to a surface,
comprising:
a mobile platform;
a paint dispensing apparatus mounted on said mobile platform and operable
for applying a paint line to a surface; and
a guide bar connected to said mobile platform and extendable forward of
said mobile platform, said guide bar comprised of at least two
horizontally extending guide prongs in parallel relationship at the
forward terminus of said guide bar.
23. The striping apparatus of claim 22 further comprising a linear member
parallel to and behind said guide prongs.
24. The striping apparatus of claim 22, further comprising a second guide
member comprised of at least two guide prongs, said guide member connected
to said mobile platform and extendable rearward of said mobile platform.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a line striping apparatus having improved sighting
and guide line marking features, and particularly to a hand-propelled line
striper apparatus operated by a single person which is capable of
simultaneously applying both a paint stripe to a surface and marking a
guide line for later paint striping.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Line stripers have been employed for a number of years to apply permanent
lines to surfaces such as roadways, parking lots, and the like.
Particularly in the instance of striping areas for parking, the line
striping procedure is typically at least a two-man operation. These areas
usually require a line striper which is highly maneuverable. Thus, a
walk-behind unit is preferred, though small self-propelled units are
useful also.
In preparation for striping a surface, such as a parking lot, first the
surface to be marked must be measured, followed by performing the
calculations necessary to optimize the use of the available space, such as
by providing the maximum number of equally sized stalls for automobiles.
Then, to ensure that the paint stripes applied to the parking surface are
straight and of the correct length, the parking surface is typically
premarked using stretched chalk lines and hand-drawn lines over which the
paint stripe is applied. For applying guide lines, two workers are needed
to stretch a chalk line the necessary distance and snap a mark onto the
surface. Over longer distances, the string or cable tends to develop a
curve in the presence of any breeze, which has substantially more effect
on the line even at low wind speeds in an exposed open area such as a
parking lot. Individual lines defining the sides of the parking stalls are
laid out referencing the chalk line and are marked on the surface by
stretching shorter lengths of chalked lines between two points. Those
lines perpendicular to the base line are laid out by the use of a T-square
or other measuring tool or method.
Where permanent paint lines are used to mark or outline driving lanes,
walkways, dividers and the like, curved lines may need to be applied.
Where, for example, a curved driving lane or bicycle path must be striped,
it is often necessary to mark one side of the lane by free hand, and then
trace a second line equidistant from the first to create the lane.
However, it is difficult to use this method to accurately mark the curved
line.
These marking operations are time-consuming and will typically require at
least two persons to accurately chalk the parking area prior to striping.
Because the chalking operation involves the use of powdered chalk on a
line or cable, it is typically not possible to mark the guide line when it
is raining, or even when the parking surface is wet from a previous
application of water. Also, the powdered chalk is easily lifted from the
surface by rain or other application of water.
Once the parking area or other surface to be marked has received the guide
lines, the line striper apparatus is then used to apply the paint stripe,
with or without added glass beads for reflectivity, and thereby provide
the permanent lines for the surface to be marked. Typically, the line
striper apparatus has a single paint gun offset from the wheel which is
directed downwardly and located on the forward portion of the line
striper. Forward placement allows the operator to more easily see the
stripe being applied. The offset is required to insure that the wheels of
the line striper do not roll though the drying paint.
This type line striper performs adequately in large open areas. However,
where the line stripe must be applied near to a curb or island, the paint
gun is often improperly positioned to complete the striping of the line.
Where the clearance is insufficient to use the mounted paint gun, hand
spraying is often required, which is less precise and provides more
irregular results.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It has been an object of the invention to provide a line striper wherein
the steps of marking the guide line and applying the paint stripe can be
accomplished by a single operator.
It has been a further object of the invention to provide a line striper
which can apply a paint stripe from a mounted paint gun in constricted
areas.
It has been a further object of the invention to provide a line striper
which can mark a guide line at the same time it is applying a paint
stripe.
It has been yet a further object of the invention to provide a line striper
which can mark a guide line onto a surface over a long distance without
the use of a separate chalk line or cable.
It has been yet a further object of the invention to provide a manual line
striper having multiple paint reservoirs mounted thereon for application
of different color paints to a surface.
It has been yet a further object of the invention to provide a method of
striping a surface with a single operator without a chalked line or cable.
These and other objects and advantages of the invention are obtained by a
line striper fitted with at least one downwardly directed paint gun, a
guide line marking device, and various attachment sites for receiving one
or a number of accessories which facilitate guide line marking and
permanent line striping using a single or multiple paint colors.
The line striper of the invention must be sufficiently maneuverable to
apply guide lines and paint stripes along corners and edges, and in other
restricted spaces encountered on surfaces used for parking cars. Thus, the
invention is directed primarily to walk-behind line stripers and
optionally smaller propelled riding units with sufficient maneuverability.
However, certain of the aspects of the invention are applicable to larger
propelled striping machines.
The line striper of this invention is comprised of a mobile platform,
preferably on fixed plane wheels to facilitate the striping of a straight
line, upon which is mounted a paint dispensing apparatus, a guide line
marking device, and at least one sighting device which permits the
operator to apply either a paint stripe or a guide line, or both, while
guiding the apparatus using the sighting device.
An optical sighting means is used to apply a guide line over a longer
distance without the need for a second person to assist in snapping a
chalk string or cable. The optical sighting means is comprised of a
periscope device fitted to the platform, which is sighted onto a fixed
point forward of the line striper to allow viewing of the fixed point from
an apparent position adjacent the surface. Forward of the viewing port of
the periscope and on the same line with the fixed point, is the guide line
marking device. After the operator sets the line striper at the start
point for the longer distance line and aligns the striper with the fixed
point by centering the periscope sight hair on the fixed point, the
operator walks toward the fixed point and engages the guide line marking
device. By maintaining the periscope sight hair, marking device, and fixed
point on the same line, the resultant guide line is essentially straight
and can then be covered by a subsequent application of a permanent paint
stripe. It is believed that viewing the fixed point from the apparent
vantage point adjacent the surface results in a guide line which is not
substantially affected by fluctuations in the surface to be marked. Where
the surface is more uniformly flat, an optical sighting device viewing the
fixed point directly from the operator's eye level can provide
satisfactory results. However, this type of sighting device would not
directly view the guide line marking device.
To apply a paint stripe and simultaneously mark a discrete guide line, the
guide line marking device is typically positioned on a boom which mounts
to the line striper platform, and which terminates at a wheel to maintain
a fixed distance between the marking device and the surface to be marked.
The line striper has two mounting sites on the platform for accepting
booms, and two positions on each site for securing the marking device. The
booms can be adjusted to desired lengths to apply a guide line a fixed
distance from the paint stripe or from the spray nozzle location if no
stripe is being applied. Thus, if the operator desires to form parking
stalls having nine-foot horizontal widths, the boom is adjusted to provide
a nine-foot spacing from the spray nozzle to the point of contact of the
marking device. Booms can be positioned onto the platform on one or both
sides of the platform, so long as the distance of the guide line from the
paint stripe in this instance is nine feet. A the stripe is applied, the
operator engages one or both of the levers actuating the respective
marking devices to apply a guide line on one or both sides of the paint
stripe. After the first paint stripe is applied, the operator then
repositions the line striper so that the nozzle is over one guide line,
and applies the second paint stripe, taking care to prevent any of the
line striper or boom wheels from rolling through the wet paint during
repositioning. If the booms are maintained in position, one boom will be
again nine feet from the line being striped, and the marking device lever
can be actuated to simultaneously mark another guide line as the second
paint stripe is applied. The booms are constructed to be hingeable at a
point near the mounting site on the line striper platform. When the line
striper reaches a constricted area, such as the edge of a parking lot near
a wall, the boom can be tilted upward and out of the way while the striper
is used at the edge.
To facilitate the application of the paint stripe over a guide line, a
separate guide bar is provided which is positioned forward of the line
striper and when fully extended, lies essentially parallel to the surface
being marked. This guide bar preferably has one or more prongs which the
operator uses to assist him in applying the paint stripe while moving the
line striper forward, and is adjustable to suit the specific operator. The
guide line on the surface is maintained at a fixed point relative to the
center prong on the guide bar as the operator walks forward during the
paint stripe application.
The operation of the line striper, as well as the guide line marking and
optical sighting features, and method of applying, are described in the
detailed description to follow, and in the drawings, in which:
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the line striper depicting various optical
sighting means and the guide line marking device booms.
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the line striper device.
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 2 depicting the guide bar
partially retracted.
FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the line striper device, further
depicting the relationship between the viewing port of the periscope and
the guide line marking device.
FIG. 5 is a depiction of the view seen by the operator when looking through
the periscope toward a fixed point with the guide line marking device in
contact with the surface to be marked.
FIG. 6 is a top elevational view of the line striper.
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view depicting the marking device lever
on the handle of the line striper connected to the spring-loaded actuating
mechanism for the marking device.
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of the marking device actuating
mechanism fitted with a boom, further showing the hingeable feature of the
boom.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
handle assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In its broader aspects, the invention relates to a striping apparatus for
applying a paint line to a surface, comprised of a mobile platform, paint
dispensing apparatus mounted on the mobile platform for applying a paint
line to a surface, and an optical sighting means mounted on the platform
and adapted to be viewed by an operator and sighted onto a fixed point.
The striping apparatus further includes a guide line marking device for
applying a chalk line to the surface, which precedes and facilitates the
application of a paint stripe. To further facilitate the application of a
paint stripe over a guide line, the striping apparatus is also equipped
with a guide bar which is extendable forward of the mobile platform and is
used by the operator to guide the mobile platform while applying a paint
stripe.
Regarding the optical sighting means, it has been found that good results
are obtained with a periscope unit attached to the mobile platform which
is used to view a fixed point toward which the mobile platform is guided
from an apparent vantage point directly above the surface to be marked.
Typically, the periscope unit is used by the operator to apply a soapstone
or chalk line over a longer distance prior to the application of a paint
stripe. The operator lines up the fixed point with a sight hair inside the
periscope. When applying the guide line, the marking device is positioned
directly forward of the periscope viewing port and on line with the sight
hair. To apply the line, the operator directs the mobile platform toward
the fixed point, maintaining the fixed point, marking device and sight
hair in the same line, and actuates the marking device.
The periscope is optionally fitted with a secondary guide bar which is
essentially parallel to both the surface to be marked and the axis of
rotation of the fixed plane wheels on the mobile platform. Thus, relative
to a guide line or a paint stripe being applied by the line striper, this
bar will be perpendicular to either of these lines. Where a second paint
stripe or guide line is to be applied at right angles to a first stripe or
guide line, the striping apparatus is positioned so that the secondary
guide bar overlies the first stripe. As the striping apparatus is moved
forward, either with application of a paint stripe or a guide line, these
lines will be perpendicular to the first paint stripe.
The various sighting and guide line marking features of this invention
allow a single operator to apply guide lines and paint stripes to a
surface, where previously two or more persons were required. As a result,
the method of striping a surface is simplified, is more accurate, and can
be completed in less time.
Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts the line striper 2 showing the
various attachments either in place or positionable on the device. A
tubular frame 4 is mounted to fixed plane wheels 6 which cause the line
striper 2 to move forward or backward along a straight line. To the
tubular frame 4 is mounted the handle assembly 8. The handle assembly 8 is
stiffened by upper cross bar 10, lower cross bar 12, forward cross bar 16
and further by the air manifold 14, which also provides support. The
tubular frame 4, handle assembly 8, cross bars 10, 12 and 16, and air
manifold 14 are typically constructed from welded tubes of chrome-moly
steel, to provide rigidity and strength at minimal weight. Good results
have been obtained by fabricating the tubular frame 4 from 1.5 inch square
chrome-moly steel with 0.065 inch wall thickness. The handle assembly 8
and cross bars 10, 12, and 16 have been satisfactorily fabricated from 1.0
inch chrome-moly steel with a 0.065 inch wall thickness. Air manifold 14
was fabricated from 1.5 inch hydraulic tubing with a 0.125 inch wall
thickness.
The paint is stored in one or both of paint reservoirs 20 and 22 bolted
onto the tubular frame 4. These reservoirs are constructed of 14 gauge
steel and are pressurizable, and paint is added via hatches 24 and 26,
which can be secured to withstand the pressures needed to apply the paint.
Paint is drawn from the reservoir, and in like manner for reservoir 20,
through a bottom take off 28, shown in FIG. 2.
The paint reservoirs 20 and 22 are pressurized using compressor 30, which
is powered by gasoline engine 32 (FIG. 6). Paint is supplied from the
reservoirs 20 and 22 via transfer lines 36 and 38 to the paint gun 48. The
valves inside paint gun 48 which open to permit paint flow from reservoirs
20 and 22 are actuated by operating air line 40. Operating air line 40
also activates line 42, which supplies atomizing air to paint gun 48. The
paint gun 48 is connected to a rod member 50. The paint gun 48 can be
adjusted in height by vertically moving rod member 50 within gun bracket
52, which in turn is mounted to receiver tube 56 mounted to the tubular
frame 4. The paint gun 48 also rotates through rotation of rod 57 which is
securable to block 58, to permit the spraying of surfaces such as vertical
curbs, and the like.
In striping parking lots and other similar surfaces, the most common paint
colors are yellow and white. Thus, the paint reservoirs 20 and 22 would
typically store white and yellow paint or alternatively, white or yellow
paint in both reservoirs, where larger quantities of a single color are
needed. In certain situations it is desired to use yet another color of
paint, such as blue for painting handicapped parking stalls. In the event
that a smaller amount of a different color paint is required for surface
spraying, a secondary paint reservoir 60 can be mounted onto tubular frame
4 by inserting the reservoir support bar 62 into the reservoir receiver
tube 64 at the end of tubular frame 4. The paint is loaded into the
secondary paint reservoir 60 via hatch 66. Pressure is supplied to the
secondary paint reservoir 60, and paint is carried to paint gun 48, in the
same manner as from reservoirs 20 and 22 by paint transfer lines (not
shown).
Guiding of the line striper 2 is facilitated by both optical sighting mean
and separate guide bars. One optical sighting means which has proven
effective in use is a periscope 80 which is mounted to the tubular frame 4
by periscope support member 82. The periscope support member 82 has a
notched bracket 84 which receives the mounting pin 86 mounted on periscope
80 at both sides. Periscope 80 is constructed from aluminum in the form of
a tube, selected for its durability and stiffness properties. The inside
surfaces of the periscope 80 are blackened to decrease glare. The
periscope 80 is better maintained in a vertical position relative to the
surface by positioning the mounting pins 86 so that most of the weight of
the periscope 80 is below the mounting pins 86. To minimize free rotation
of periscope 80 about mounting pins 86, a spring 88 is positioned between
and connected to periscope 80 and support member 82 by securing the ends
of the spring 88 into holes in the periscope 80 and support member 82. As
the line striper 2 moves over irregular surfaces, the periscope 80 tends
to rotate about the mounting pins 86. To maintain the periscope in the
proper viewing position, the operator manually restricts movement of the
periscope 80 as necessary. A thumb loop (not shown) or other protruding
member on the periscope 80 is useful for restricting movement.
At the bottom of periscope 80 is a secondary guide bar 90 which is
essentially parallel to the surface and the axis of rotation of the fixed
plane wheels 6. This secondary guide bar 90 is thus positioned essentially
perpendicular to the line of direction of the line striper 2. Where a
first paint stripe is already on the surface, and a second stripe at right
angles must still be applied, the secondary guide bar 90 is positioned so
that it overlies the first paint stripe before applying the second stripe.
Also mounted to the tubular frame 4 is guide bar 96 which has a tubular
portion 98 which slidably engages the hinged guide bar mount 100, which in
turn is secured to the tubular frame 4. The guide bar 96 is adjusted in
height from a fully extended position forward of the tubular frame 4 as
shown in FIGS. 1 & 2, to a partially retracted position by movement of the
guide bar lever 104 mounted to handle assembly 8 as shown in FIG. 3. Guide
bar lever 104 is connected to guide bar 96 via connector rod 108, which
mates with guide bar 96 at the ball and socket joint 110. When not in use,
the tubular portion 98 of guide bar 96 can be disengaged from guide bar
mount 100, and the guide bar 96 can then be stored on the guide bar
storage bracket 114 as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 3.
Another component of guide bar 96 and mounted forward thereof is guide fork
118 having three guide prongs 120a, b, and c. The guide fork 118 is
mounted to the guide bar 96 by double split collars 122 and 124, which
permit the guide fork 118 and prongs 120a, b and c to be adjusted
laterally at the preference of the individual operator. The tips of prongs
120a, b and c indicate whether the line striper 2 is lined up correctly at
a desired point. However, they do not provide optimal indication that the
line striper 2 is moving in the correct direction. The guide fork 118
provides a much better indicator that the line striper 2 is proceeding
along the desired line.
In certain applications, a guide member is preferably located near the
operator. In that instance, a rear guide bar 128 (FIG. 1) having guide
prongs, 130a, b, and c, is mounted to the tubular frame 4 by insertion
into rear receiving tube 132. The rear receiving tube 132 can also accept
a second paint gun. This gun is useful, for example, in striping parking
stall lines which run perpendicular to a common end line, adjacent to a
wall or other edge. With a single gun line striper 2, the operator would
push the line striper 2 toward the end line while applying a paint stripe,
then back the line striper 2 at an angle to the point where a parallel
stripe should be applied. With added paint gun in the rear, the operator
applies the first stall stripe, backs the line striper 2 to the adjacent
line position near the end line, and applies a paint stripe using the rear
paint gun.
To apply a guide line to the surface prior to applying a paint stripe, the
line striper 2 employs guide line marking devices which can be positioned
at several sites on the line striper 2.
The individual guide line marking devices 140, as shown in FIG. 1, are
comprised of a chalk stick 142 and a receiver member 144. The chalk stick
142 may be formed of some other marking material, such as soap stone, or
the like. The chalk stick 142 is retained in position inside receiver
member 144 by locking bolt 146. As shown in FIG. 1, the guide line marking
devices 140 are located near the ends of booms 150 which terminate at
wheel 152. The booms 150 are adjustable in length, up to about 25 feet, so
that the chalk stick 142 can apply a guide line at specific distances on
one or both sides of the line striper 2 relative to the spray nozzle 48.
The boom 150 is attached to the tubular frame 4 via the rectangular
receiver tube 156, which in turn rotates inside cylindrical housing 158
mounted to the tubular frame 4. The boom 150 mates with the rectangular
receiver tube 156 at boom connector 160. The boom connector 160 is hinged
to permit the boom 150 and wheel 152 to be rotated from a horizontal
position upward and backward toward the operator to a laying back position
of about 45.degree. to the surface during maneuvering in constricted
areas. The boom 150 is constructed of a light weight material such as
aluminum to permit easier maneuvering of the line striper 2 and improved
flexibility when extended out to compensate for uneven surfaces.
The guide line marking devices 140 remain in a raised position essentially
parallel to the ground so that the chalk sticks 142 do not contact the
surface until actuated by actuator levers 164 and 166, which respectively
engage the guide line marking devices 140 on the left and right sides of
the line striper 2.
Because the fixed plane wheels 6 on the line striper 2 do not swivel, the
line striper 2 is not easily maneuverable during setup prior to line
marking without raising the front wheel 6, nor can it be easily used to
apply a paint stripe over a curved guide line or along a curved edge. In
those situations where maneuverability is desired, an optional caster
wheel 170 on a wheel mount 172 is inserted into a receiving tube 174 (FIG.
4) at the front of the line striper 2. The wheel mount 172 has a vertical
length sufficient to raise the forward-most fixed plane wheel 6 out of
contact with the surface to allow the line striper 2 to be maneuvered from
side to side.
FIGS. 1 and 6 show the application of a paint stripe PS over a previously
applied guide line GL. The operator in this instance is guiding off of
guide prong 120b and guide line fork 118 in relation to guide line GL to
apply the paint stripe.
FIG. 2 indicates the line of vision of the operator looking through the
periscope 80 and viewing marker post 180, which serves as the fixed point
toward which the line striper 2 is directed. Also shown is the solvent
reservoir 184 which is connectable to the paint gun 48 to clean the paint
gun 48 orifice and to the bottom of the reservoirs 20, 22, such as at
bottom take off 28, to clean the paint lines. A spray gun 186 connectable
to one or more paint reservoirs 20, 22 or 60 by a paint transfer line 188
is used to apply paint to support columns, posts and the like, and is also
used for stenciling traffic flow arrows, directions, and the like to the
surface.
The line striper 2 can be operated in low light conditions with the
assistance of a spot light 192. The spot light 192 is capable of being
rotated about support post 194 which allows directing the light beam on a
specific operation of the line striper 2. The spot light 192 is powered by
a 3 amp stator on the coil internal to engine 32. Good results have been
obtained by use of a modified Tecumseh gasoline engine, four cycle, 5
horsepower, which is modified by the addition of the 3 amp stator inside
the engine housing. The engine 32 and compressor 30 are isolated from the
front of the line striper 2 by a fan belt guard member 198. The spot light
192 preferably utilizes a quartz-halogen lamp for increased illumination.
In the process of striping a surface, marking cones and paint stencils are
often required. These accessories can be carried on the line striper 2 by
securing them to the storage post 200. This post is a tubular member
having two vertically extending prongs mounted at one end. The storage
post 200 fits into a vertical mount (not shown) on the tubular frame 4.
When the storage post 200 is affixed to the mount with the prongs up,
stencils can be stored on the prongs. The storage post 200 can also be
reversed (not shown) so that the prongs are adjacent the tubular frame 4.
In this position, a single post without prongs extends upward, and marker
cones can be stored on the post.
FIGS. 4 and 5 further depict the alignment between periscope 80 and guide
line marking device 140. The operator looking through the top of periscope
80 in viewing port 204 will see a sight hair 206 mounted in front of the
mirror in the periscope 80. For applying a guide line, the sight hair 206
is mounted to the line striper 2 preset in alignment with the guide line
marking device 140 mounted to the line striper 2 as shown in FIG. 4. After
the starting point for a paint line is determined, the marker post 180 is
placed near the end point of the line to be marked. When the line striper
2 is in the proper position for applying a guide line, the operator will
have the sight hair 206, guide line marking device 140 and marker post 180
in the alignment shown in viewing port 204 in FIG. 5.
FIG. 6 further depicts boom 150, and specifically the adjustment collar 210
which allows a telescoping portion 212 of boom 150 to be moved in and out
as necessary to achieve the proper distance of guide line GL from the
paint stripe PS. Adjustment collar 210 rotates to release or tighten the
telescoping portion 212 of boom 150 as needed.
Glass beads can be applied onto paint stripe PS by means of a glass bead
holder 214 shown in phantom in FIG. 6. The glass bead holder 214 deposits
beads onto the wet paint stripe PS by gravity feed. The glass bead holder
214 is secured to the tubular frame 4 at receiver tube 218, as shown in
FIG. 1. The glass bead holder 214 is typically manufactured from aluminum
and typically holds approximately fifty pounds of glass beads. The gate
which allows the glass beads to flow from the glass bead holder 214 is
pneumatically operated, the air pressure supplied by compressor 30 via an
air line (not shown). Alternatively, the gate may be opened and closed by
hand.
FIG. 7 is a more detailed view of the relation between the actuator levers
164 and 166 and the actuating mechanism for guide line marking device 140.
The rectangular receiver tube 156 rotates inside the cylindrical housing
158 by means of bearing sleeve 220 which is secured to the rectangular
receiver member on its inside diameter. As shown in FIG. 7, engaging
actuator lever 166 causes cable 222 to be pulled toward handle 8. The
cable 222, which is attached to rectangular receiver tube 156 by the cable
lock pin 224, is rotated clockwise, thereby forcing the guide line marking
device to also rotate clockwise and bring chalk stick 142 into contact
with the surface. When the actuating lever 166 is released, the
rectangular receiver tube returns to a rest position essentially parallel
to the ground which removes the chalk stick 142 from contact with the
surface, by means of relaxation of spring 228 which is hooked to tubular
frame 4 and rectangular receiver tube 156 at holes drilled in these two
members (not shown).
FIG. 8 is a detailed showing of the attachment of the boom 150 to
rectangular receiver tube 156. Boom connector 160 is secured to the end of
rectangular receiver member 156 by a locking bolt 230. The boom 150 is
connected to the boom connector 160 by a hinge member 232. This hinge
member 232 allows the boom 150 to be raised upward and backward to
approximately a 45.degree. position toward the operator as the line
striper 2 is maneuvered in constricted areas. The boom 150 is locked in
relation to boom connector 160 by the strap lock member 234, which engages
locking hook 236. To rotate the boom 150 to its raised position, the strap
lock member 234 is released from blocking hook 236 and the boom is
manually raised.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, paint is supplied to spray nozzle 48 by
pressurizing one of the paint reservoirs 20 or 22, or optionally secondary
paint reservoir 60. The flow of air is controlled by switching assembly
240 on air manifold 14. Air pressure is monitored by one or more of gauges
248a, b, or c. After the necessary air pressure is generated in the
particular paint reservoir, the operating air line 40 is pressurized,
opening a valve in the paint gun 48 and activating the paint atomizing air
line 42. A three-way valve (not shown) is manually operated to initiate
flow of pressurized paint from either paint line 36 or 38. It is
appreciated that the use of a third reservoir would involve either
attachment of a paint line from another reservoir after purging of the
line, or by addition of a separate paint line and use of a different
switching valve. The paint gun 48 is of the type available from Binks,
Inc., such as Model No. 21, with a Model 709 air cap. The paint from the
respective reservoirs is maintained in separate lines 36 and 38 until it
reaches the single paint inlet tube 46, which is immediately downstream of
the three-way valve. This arrangement permits changeover from one color to
another with minimal clearing of paint lines, and consequently minimal use
of cleaning solvents, with the attendant environmental hazards that relate
to this cleaning. The combination of the optical sighting means, such as
the periscope 80, guide bar 96, rear guide bar 128, and secondary guide
bar 90, and booms 150 disposed on one or both sides of the line striper 2
provide a variety of means for aligning the line striper 2 to more
efficiently apply a paint stripe in a variety of applications. As FIG. 1
indicates, as a paint stripe PS is applied, one or more guide lines can
also be applied from either or both of the guide line marking devices 140
attached to the ends of booms 150 located on the left and right sides of
the line striper 2. If a guide line needs to be applied in a much closer
relation to the paint stripe, one or more guide line marking devices 140
of preset distance from the paint stripe line can be directly attached to
the rectangular receiver members 156 beneath the tubular frame 4 on either
side of the line striper 2 as shown in FIGS. 4, 7 and 8.
FIG. 9 depicts an alternative construction for the handle assembly 8, which
provides additional operating flexibility for the line striper 2 where
multiple operators use the machine. The end of the handle assembly 8 is
adjustable in height by securing matable toothed, locking washers 260 and
262 on facing portions of the fixed and movable portions of the handle
assembly 8, which are maintained in a fixed arrangement by the ribbed nut
264 threaded onto threaded rod 266.
The line striper 2 fitted with guide bar 96, which includes guide fork 118,
provides substantial improvement in guiding the line striper in a number
of applications. In the horizontally extended position, the guide fork 118
provides a line which the operator sights along the guide line, or forward
of the applied paint stripe, to keep the paint stripe straight. It can be
seen that the alignment is more likely to occur where the guiding member
is a line overlying a surface line, instead of merely a point.
This feature is advantageous in striping an automobile stall or other
straight line where the line striper 2 is moving toward the end line of
the parking lot. A guide line typically is not applied beyond the end
line. In many instances, the end line is at the edge of the surface, so
that a guide line cannot be applied behind the end line. As the operator
reaches about three to four feet from the end line, the prongs 120a, b and
c extend beyond the end line. Without any other means of guiding the line
striper 2, the operator can continue on essentially the same line without
guidance, but inevitably some curve will appear in the final paint stripe.
However, with the guide fork 118 in place, the operator can still sight
onto the guide line until reaching the end line.
Tight radius curves can be applied to a surface by inserting the wheel
mount 172 of caster wheel 170 in to receiving tube 174 and turning the
line striper 2 while applying a paint stripe from the paint gun 48 in its
position shown in FIG. 1. However, as the line striper 2 is turned, any
bumps which the caster wheel 170 contacts causes a wavy appearance in the
paint stripe. Where the caster wheel 170 is mounted forward, in receiving
tube 174, a smoother radius curve is obtained by securing a paint gun into
rear receiver tube 132. In this position, the rubber wheel 6 near the
paint gun dampens out the bump transmitted from the caster wheel 170.
The line striper 2 has a number of receiving tubes constructed of
telescoping steel tubing to accept various accessories. These accessories
are secured in place after insertion typically by tightenable bolts
threaded into the receiving tubes.
Thus it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the
invention, a line striper apparatus that fully satisfies the objects,
aims, and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been
described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident
that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description.
Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,
modifications, and variations as fall within the sphere and broad scope of
the appended claims.
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